You are here

Spanish (BA)

As a major or minor in the department you will further your study of the language of your choice, along with the literatures and cultures of those peoples who speak it. Our faculty members have prepared a wide range of challenging courses to introduce you to literary, cultural, and linguistic studies in Spanish and Portuguese. These programs will open the horizons of the Hispanic experience to you, prepare you to acquire first-hand knowledge in one of our study abroad programs, and provide you with significant skills and knowledge for your future careers. We aspire to lead you to a satisfying level of expertise in language and subject matter and to empower you to engage in rewarding research projects of your choice guided by committed faculty members.

Why Choose Spanish?

There are 470 million native speakers of Spanish

Spanish is the official language of 40 countries

Spanish is one of the six official languages of the United Nations

Students do not need to have studied Spanish in high school since the department offers basic language instruction

Over 40 percent of Spanish majors also carry another major such as engineering, business, nursing, social work, biology, international studies and linguistics

Ohio State graduates with Spanish degrees have chosen a wide range of professions such as Spanish teacher, House of Representatives, Spanish-speaking loan/mortgage officer, technical writer for AT&T, lawyer, FBI field agent and U.S. postal inspector in Puerto Rico

Academic Advisors

Related Programs

Spanish

The Spanish minor consists of a minimum of 15 credit hours in the study of Iberian and Latin American Literatures, Cultures, and Hispanic Linguistics. The language of instruction in all Spanish classes leading to the minor will be in Spanish. (SPANISH-MN)

Spanish Honors

The Spanish Honors minor consists of a minimum of 15 credit hours in the study of Iberian and Latin American Literatures, Cultures, and Hispanic Linguistics. The language of instruction in all Spanish classes leading to the minor will be in Spanish. Honors students must take 3450H and fulfill additional requirements.

Spanish for Business

The Spanish Minor for Business consists of 15 credit hours. The minor includes four courses taught in Spanish and one course taught in English. The Spanish Minor for Business is not open to Honors students.

Portuguese

The Portuguese minor consists of a minimum of 12 credit hours. The language of instruction in all Portuguese classes leading to the minor will be in Portuguese. Students choosing to minor in Portuguese are encouraged to take advantage of study abroad opportunities offered in cooperation with The Office of International Affairs (OIA). (PORTGES-MN)

Andean and Amazonian Studies

The interdisciplinary minor in Andean & Amazonian Studies highlights the geographical region, its languages and peoples, its history and societies, as well as its cultures and environment. Students must achieve intermediate proficiency in Portuguese, Quechua or Spanish. Courses included in this minor may have additional prerequisites - view minor sheet for details. (ANDEAMZ-MN)

Spanish and Portuguese

The department offers MA and PhD programs in Iberian and Latin American literatures and cultures and in Hispanic linguistics. It also offers a doctoral concentration in Luso-Brazilian literatures and cultures, and minors in film studies and other exciting fields. (MA, PhD)

Associated Facilities

WHAT YOU'LL LEARN

WHAT YOU'LL LEARN

One of the principal goals of the Department of Spanish and Portuguese is to help students attain the highest possible level of language proficiency. The department encourages students to take advantage of several study abroad programs sponsored by the department in Argentina, Bolivia, Chile, Costa Rica, the Dominican Republic, Ecuador, Mexico, Peru and Spain. These programs provide opportunities to gain greater exposure to the languages, literatures and cultures of the Spanish-speaking world.

The knowledge of a second language is usually a key to acquiring strong writing skills. Employment in almost any field is open to a language major, especially in companies that do business with overseas clients. This can range from the banking industry to public relations to computer programming. Knowledge of a second language is also helpful in health care and in social work. A second language can be beneficial for employment in federal, state and local governments. The ability to do research and translation in another language also opens doors to careers.

courses you might take:

SPANISH 4570:
Latin Soundscapes: Musical Cultures of Latin America

The Latin American region has produced a wealth of musical genres, styles, hybrids and fusions that allows for exploration of relevant social, cultural, economic, and political issues. This course surveys the richness, diversity and representation of Latin American music through selection of musical, literary, filmic and historical texts.

SPANISH 5689S:
Spanish in Ohio: An Experiential Course

Service-learning course that allows students interaction with Hispanic communities in Ohio; intensive and extensive practice with Spanish as spoken by native speakers from the U.S. and abroad.

This course explores the fragmentation and renegotiation of Spanish cultural and political identity and tension with its peripheral nations of Catalonia, Basque Country, Galicia, Andalusia.

SPANISH 4538:
Language Variation in Spanish

A survey of linguistic variation across the Spanish-speaking world, including geographical and social factors.

SPANISH 4557.10:
Introduction to Latino Literature in the U.S.

Introductory critical study of authors, topics, and movements in Latino literature from the late 19th century to the present.

BEYOND THE CLASSROOM

Study Abroad

The Department of Spanish & Portuguese offers a variety of study abroad programs. Study abroad is available in Spain and in many countries in South America. To begin your journey, please visit the Office of International Affairs, where you can browse available programs by subject, language, or location.

Spanish and Portuguese Teaching and Learning Centers

Spanish and Portuguese Teaching and Learning Centers (TLC) give undergraduate students assistance through free walk-in tutoring, instructor-guided small group conversation and expert writing help. The aim is to support and enrich the classroom experience of undergraduate students.